Flexible solar panel processing

What are flexible solar panels?

Along with rapidly advancing battery technology, flexible solar panels are expected to create niche products that require lightweight, mechanical flexibility, and moldability into complex shapes, such as roof-panel for electric automobiles, foldable umbrellas, camping tents, etc.

Can a photovoltaic material be used for flexible solar cells?

In general, if a photovoltaic material can be deposited onto a substrate at temperatures below 300 °C, the material can potentially be used in fabricating flexible solar cells. Several types of active materials, such as a-Si:H, CIGS, small organics, polymers, and perovskites, have broadly been investigated for flexible solar cell application.

What are flexible solar modules?

Flexible solar modules are extremely demanding energy solutions for commercial products, where the specific power, total weight, and mechanical impact strength are crucial . One such example is the integration of semi-flexible solar panels into the roofs of boats as a secondary source of charging.

How flexible are solar cells?

The key aspect of the flexibility of solar cells is exhibited through the flexible substrate. The most common commercial substrate is glass, which demonstrates high transparency and robustness. However, due to the rigidity of traditional glass, it is not suitable for FPV.